Jake Paul is set to return to the boxing ring against former GLORY Kickboxing champion Cedric Doumbe on December 24 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Most Valuable Promotions announced the matchup Monday, marking Paul’s first fight since suffering a devastating knockout loss to Anthony Joshua.
The eight-round contest will take place at cruiserweight, with both fighters weighing in at a maximum of 200 pounds and using 10-ounce gloves. Broadcast details for the event have yet to be revealed.
“The Problem Child” enters the matchup looking to bounce back from the first knockout defeat of his professional boxing career. The YouTube star was stopped by heavyweight veteran Joshua in December 2025, suffering a fractured jaw that required two surgeries.
The 12-2 boxer had previously built a six-fight winning streak, earning victories over notable names including Mike Tyson, Mike Perry, and Nate Diaz.
Jake Paul And Cedric Doumbe Trade Barbs Ahead Of Dubai Showdown
Paul wasted little time making his feelings known about his opponent, taking a jab at Doumbe in a statement released by MVP.
“Cédric Douchebag was calling me out two years ago after knocking some dude out in 9 seconds,” Paul said. “Well Douchebag, now you get your chance. I’m rusty, my jaw is janky, and I don’t have kickboxing world titles like you do. But guess what, this isn’t kickboxing mon ami. This is boxing.”
“The Problem Child” Paul also referenced Oleksandr Usyk’s crossover matchup with Rico Verhoeven, before predicting that he would finish Doumbe on Christmas Eve. He further teased upcoming press conferences in Paris and Dubai, promising a major event for fans across the Middle East and North Africa.
“Just like Usyk feasted on Rico Verhoeven, I am going to eat you for dinner in Dubai on Christmas Eve and have a Coca-Cola at the arena to celebrate.”
Doumbe responded with an equally pointed message, warning Paul that he had never faced an opponent like him.
“Jake Paul calls himself the Problem Child, but he’s never faced a problem like me,” Doumbe said. “He has no idea what a Frenchman is capable of, and on Thursday, December 24 in Dubai, I’m going to eat ‘El Poulet’ for dinner.”
“Le Meilleur” is a decorated kickboxer, having won two GLORY titles and recorded 45 knockouts during his kickboxing career. He has also compiled a 6-1 record in MMA, with every victory coming by knockout.
The Frenchman competed twice under the PFL banner, scoring a spectacular nine-second knockout before suffering a bizarre loss caused by a splinter. His most recent MMA appearance came in May 2024, when he stopped Jaleel Willis in the first round under the Bellator banner.
